Smoke-free Melbourne "will pull visitors"

Smoke-free Melbourne "will pull visitors"
By admin


A city councillor says more visitors will be attracted to Melbourne if the CBD becomes a completely smoke-free destination.

The city centre, known for its trendy bars and fine eateries, could become completely smoke-free within three years after a cigarette ban in a laneway was dubbed a success.

Councillor Richard Foster says there's overwhelming support to extend smoke-free areas following the test in The Causeway laneway.

The ban has been made permanent and Melbourne City Council has approved up to six more bans.

Foster says the final step would be an entirely smoke-free CBD, which could take effect before October 2016, News Corp Australia reports.

"I think we're going to actually attract people to Melbourne by being one of the first in the world to go smoke-free," he told Fairfax Radio.

"I think there's overwhelming support to progress smoke-free areas given the great success we had with The Causeway."

Under the plan, smoking would be banned for pedestrians, footpath diners and city workers in the area bounded by Flinders Street, Spencer Street, Spring Street and the Queen Victoria Market, News Corp Australia reports.

There could be designated shelters for smokers.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle says any policy change should be incremental.

"If we can show traders and businesses, just as happened in pubs and restaurants, that this doesn't detract from your business … then bit by bit we will win that battle," he said.

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